Brown looking to replicate last season's performances v Blades

Phil Brown is hoping his side can put in a similar performance against Sheffield United tomorrow night to that of the two games that saw his side take four points off the Blades in 2015/16.

Southend travel to Bramall lane looking to get off the mark in the league after defeats to Gillingham and Port Vale in their opening two games.

The Blues Boss feels his team are up against one of the biggest teams in the division in terms of club stature, but the 2-2 draw last term showed the Blues are not afraid to mix it up with the big boys in their own back yard and Brown hopes his new additions can see his side snatch all three points this time around.

“They are one of the biggest teams in the division.

“When the fixture list comes out it’s one of the fixtures that you will look for at as you’re always expecting close to a 20,000 crowd as they are a massive club with massive tradition.

“But if we take as a reference point last season, this game was one of our best performances.

“The way we played football in the first half in particular, then defended valiantly in the second half and apart from a two-three minute spell just before half time it was probably one of our best away performances of the season.

“The team has changed since then obviously and we’ve now brought in seven new bodies and hopefully those players can give us a leg up in regards to getting our first win under our belt.”

With those new signings, it’s been a summer of transition at Southend and Brown feels his new look side are still gelling together.

“The group that we’ve got are brand new and they’re finding each others game and each others way.

“But it’s up to me to pick a winning formula, a winning team and go there with a winning combination in terms of the tactics.

“If we think we are under pressure, you want to be trying to play for Sheffield United in front of 20,000 trying to get your first win.

“It’s a case of ‘bring it on’, the players are still looking forward to games and that’s the main thing."